Translation guide
The English word "present" has several distinct meanings: a gift, the current time, being in a place, and showing or offering something. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
A thing given to someone as a gift.
The most common and casual word for a gift, used for birthdays, Christmas, etc. Borrowed from English.
I received a present for my birthday.
A more formal or traditional term for a gift, often used in formal occasions or when referring to the act of giving.
This is a present for someone who has helped me.
Specifically a souvenir or gift brought back from a trip. Not a general present.
I bought presents for my family after returning from the trip.
The period of time now occurring.
The standard word for 'the present time' or 'now'. Used in both formal and informal contexts.
At present, I live in Japan.
Means 'now'. More casual and immediate than 現在. Often used in everyday speech.
Means 'at the present moment' or 'as of now'. Used in formal or business contexts to indicate the current situation.
At present, there are no problems.
Being in a particular place; opposite of absent.
The verb for animate existence. Use いる (plain) or います (polite) to say someone is present.
Is he present at the meeting?
The verb for inanimate existence. Use for objects being present.
All the necessary documents are present.
Specifically means 'to attend' or 'be present' at an event, class, meeting, etc.
I will be present at tomorrow's meeting.
A formal word meaning 'to exist' or 'be present'. Used in philosophical or scientific contexts.
The substance is present in nature.
To introduce or show something to someone; to offer for consideration.
To present (information, a plan, an idea) formally. Common in business and academic settings.
I presented a new plan.
To present or announce findings, results, or a speech publicly.
I will present the research results.
To show something to someone. More casual than 提示する.
To hold out or present something physically, often with a nuance of offering.
To introduce someone to another person.
To give or award something in a formal ceremony.
プレゼント only means 'gift'. Using it to mean 'now' will cause confusion. Use 現在 or 今 instead.
Use いる for people and animals, ある for objects and plants. Using the wrong one sounds unnatural.
The teacher is present in the classroom.
The book is present on the desk.
I'm busy at present, so let's talk later.
Please present your passport.
彼は手を差し出した。
He presented his hand.